Truth about big Robert Irwin career rumour

A new report claimed the rising TV star is about to jump ship from Ten – now, the truth about Irwin’s future has been revealed.

Network Ten has hit out at reports Robert Irwin is planning to jump ship to Channel 7, dubbing the claims a “load of croc.”

A tabloid report this week had claimed Irwin’s hosting gig on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! would be “short-lived”, with the wildlife warrior rumoured to be inking a new deal with the rival network.

However, the report – which originated in tabloid mag Woman’s Day – is false.

“What a load of croc!” a Network Ten spokesperson said. “We’ve heard a lot of furphies over the past 10 seasons, but media reports about Robert Irwin no longer hosting I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! take the cake and are completely fake.

“We’ve just wrapped an excellent season and can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

Robert Irwin made his hosting debut on this year's season of I'm A Celeb.

It comes after news.com.au reported earlier Wednesday Irwin had already signed on as co-host for the 2025 season of I’m A Celebrity in South Africa.

Further, a source at Seven told us the network hasn’t engaged in any discussions with Irwin.

Irwin made his debut on the 10th season of the reality series alongside veteran host Julia Morris this year, which also marked his first prime time TV hosting gig.

Replacing long-running co-host Dr Chris Brown, who signed a contract with Seven last year, Irwin proved a huge hit among audiences.

Speaking to news.com.au in South Africa prior to the show airing March 24, Irwin said the opportunity was a “dream come true” – combining his passion for conservation and wildlife with TV presenting.

Robert Irwin and I’m A Celeb co-host Julia Morris.

Contrary to reports, Irwin’s not bailing on his new gig at Ten.

“I have this path, this true north and this real mission and purpose behind what I do. And there’s so many different ways to carry on a legacy and to create your own,” Irwin said.

“To be able to find ‘Robert’s’ way of doing that, that’s really fun. And I’ve found so many ways throughout my life, behind the camera, in front of the camera, but this is just this incredible new chapter, trying something that I’ve never done before.

“And that wildlife aspect is here … That’s where the fun really comes in life, sticking to your authentic goals and what really gives you that fire in your belly and that passion.

“This is also a great new audience to reach a conservation message in a very subtle way.”

Meanwhile, Alex Mavroidakis, ITV’s Supervising Executive Producer for I’m A Celeb, told us Irwin had been a fan of the show since he was a child, and when he was offered the gig late last year, his first words were, “Where do I sign?”

Irwin stepped in as Morris’ new co-host after Dr Chris Brown defected to Seven. Credit: Channel 10

“We were walking around (during rehearsals) and I was running him through the mechanics of the show … and he’s just saying, ‘there’s a magic in the air’,” Mavroidakis said of Irwin’s excitement to be involved.

“I’m waiting for Robert’s diva moment. Everything is marvellous. Every meal he’s served is great. Every car he’s put in is fantastic.

“He’s a gem. His excitement … He’s bringing premiere season energy. We’re very, very lucky to have him.”

The young star is undoubtedly a rising talent in the local television landscape, with Ten eager to keep him on-board for as long as possible.

Just days out from his hosting debut, Irwin was named Australia’s most popular broadcast personality for 2024.

He managed to topple comedic veteran Hamish Blake to win the top broadcast personality on the Australian Talent Index’s annual Top Talent Report, which also marked his first ever appearance on the list.

Originally published as Truth about big Robert Irwin career rumour